NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving food safety testing in Rhode Island

Official title: Enhancing State Food Microbiology and Chemistry Testing Laboratories Capacity and Capabilities In Support of the Integrated Food Safety System

Funded at Rhode Island State Dept of Health · NIH-10878797 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working to make food testing labs in Rhode Island even better at keeping our food safe by expanding their testing services and improving how they share information about food safety threats.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRhode Island State Dept of Health
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$420,000
NIH project number5U19FD007115-05
Project IDNIH-10878797 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Individuals and families consuming food products tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories would benefit from this research.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not consume food products tested by these laboratories may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This project aims to enhance the capabilities of food testing laboratories in Rhode Island to ensure food safety. Over the next five years, the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories will expand their microbiology and chemistry testing services to better respond to food safety threats. The team will implement a flexible funding model to manage various analytical projects, ensuring a robust food safety system. By collaborating with federal teams, they will also improve data exchange capabilities for food sample testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer food products and improved public health outcomes by enhancing food safety testing.

How similar studies have gone: While enhancing food safety testing is a common goal, this specific approach using a flexible funding model is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Rhode Island State Dept of Health
    Providence, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kothavade, Rajendra — Rhode Island State Dept of Health
  • Study coordinator: Kothavade, Rajendra

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Rhode Island pregnancy and newborn health survey

    Collects information from Rhode Island mothers about health, behaviors, and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy to help reduce infant deaths and low birthweight.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-11534224

  • Rhode Island efforts to improve food safety and prevent food poisoning

    This project works with local health inspectors and food businesses to find and reduce things that cause food poisoning for people who eat at restaurants and other food venues in Rhode Island.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-11416070

  • Improving Food Safety Practices in Rhode Island and Across the Nation

    A patient-facing description of a grant that supports collaborations to reduce foodborne illness and improve everyday food safety through data-driven actions and targeted education.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-11239039

  • Rhode Island Food Safety Emergency Response

    This project helps Rhode Island quickly respond to food safety emergencies to protect people from contaminated food.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-11166392

  • Monitoring pregnancy risks in Rhode Island to improve infant health

    This study is reaching out to new moms in Rhode Island to learn about their experiences and choices during pregnancy, so we can help improve the health of babies and reduce issues like low birthweight.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-11057492

  • Maintaining Rhode Island's food safety program

    This study is all about making sure the food you eat in Rhode Island is safe by working with the FDA and other states to find better ways to prevent foodborne illnesses and respond quickly if there's a problem, while also keeping the food industry in the loop through meetings and outreach.

    NIH research Rhode Island State Dept of Health · Providence, United States · NIH-10932316

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.